The effects of two kinds of mask (with or without exhaust valve) on clothing microclimates inside the mask in participants wearing protective clothing for spraying pesticides

AimThe study aimed at discovering the effects of wearing two types of protective mask on the clothing microclimate (temperature, humidity) inside the mask, physiological parameters and subjective sensations.MethodFive healthy female students performed intermittent step exercise while wearing the protective clothing in a climate chamber at 28°C and 60% relative humidity (RH). One mask was made of non-woven fabric and had no exhaust valve (mask A), and the other had an exhaust valve (mask B).Results(1) Clothing microclimate temperature inside the mask was significantly lower in mask B than in mask A. The final values were 35.5±0.3°C in mask A and 34.6±0.8°C in mask B. (2) Clothing microclimate humidity inside the mask was significantly lower in mask B than in mask A. The final values were 37.9±0.9 g/m3 in mask A and 35.7±2.0 g/m3 in mask B. (3) Cheek skin temperature inside the mask was kept significantly lower in mask B than in mask A. (4) Clothing microclimate humidity at trunk level increased more slowly with mask B than with mask A for four participants. (5) Rectal temperature increased more slowly with mask B than with mask A for three participants. (6) Tympanic temperature increased more slowly with mask B than with mask A for two out of four participants.DiscussionWe discussed these findings from the viewpoint that the dry and wet heat loss was accelerated through the nose under the influence of a reduced level of clothing microclimate inside mask B, having probably helped selective brain cooling by cooling more effectively the vein circulating blood through the nose.